Steelers' Cameron Heyward Could Sit Out Games: 'I'm Looking to be Valued'
Heyward told reporters Monday that he approached the club about a reworked deal in February after being selected to the All-Pro team for the fourth time in his 14-year career. There has been no movement on that front nearly three weeks into training camp.
"Honestly, looking to be valued," Heyward said. "I know what I bring to this team and what I'm capable of on and off the field, so it's hard for me after the year I've had to really justify playing at the number I'm playing at."
Now 36, Heyward is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and had been "holding in" during camp, participating in some individual workouts but skipping some fully-padded 11-on-11 snaps. He stood on the sideline in street clothes on Monday as the Steelers began the final workouts of their annual three-week visit to Saint Vincent College.
Heyward said the team asked him to take a pay cut last summer. They ironed out a reworked deal instead that runs through 2026.
He responded by bouncing back from an injury-marred 2023 to finish with eight sacks, 71 tackles and 11 passes defensed as the Steelers went 10-7 and reached the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
"When I look at the market and I look at what I've done, it's hard to really wrap my head around playing a number where I'm not even half of what the rest of the market is," Heyward said. "I can't say I'm not disappointed with where we're at. I think it's pretty simple of how it could be handled. ... I just wish I could just be out there not having to worry about this."
Neither Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin nor defensive coordinator Teryl Austin are bothered by Heyward's position or his lack of participation at this time of year.
"Cam's been doing this a long time," Tomlin said. "I don't work Cam a lot in these scenarios [during camp]."
The Steelers do have a little bit of wiggle room under the salary cap, but have also doled out hefty contracts to star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, wide receiver DK Metcalf and recently acquired defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Heyward, the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year, has long stated he wants to be a "one helmet guy," meaning he would prefer to spend his entire career in Pittsburgh. While that's hardly in danger at this point, his aggressive stance has thrown a wrinkle into a relatively quiet camp.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here's who we think are the best of the best
Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America team announced Thursday as part of the news organization's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the storied honor for the top players in college football. Since 1925, nearly 2,000 men have been named AP first-team All-Americans, one of the most prestigious honors in the sport. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. Of the 25 players on the first team, five won the Heisman Trophy and 21 are in the College Football Hall of Fame, two are nominated for induction in 2026 and two are not eligible because they are not yet 10 years removed from their college careers. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It won't be, and shouldn't be, considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available. For a player to qualify, he must have been an AP first-team All-American at least once. His professional career, if any, was not to be considered. Also, a member of the all-time team could only be listed on the side of the ball where he was named first-team All-America. All-purpose players could come from any position. Voters were cautioned against recency bias, but it is notable that only three of the first-team selections played before 1970. Of the 12 players who were three-time All-Americans, only four made the two all-time teams picked by AP. Florida's Tim Tebow edged Texas' Vince Young (2005) for all-time first-team quarterback. Tebow won the Heisman and made the AP All-America team as a sophomore in 2007, his first year as the starter. He led the Gators to their second national championship in three years in 2008 and narrowly missed a chance at another when the 2009 team started 13-0 but lost to Alabama in the SEC championship game. He remains the SEC career leader in rushing touchdowns and touchdowns responsible for. Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders (1988) and Georgia's Herschel Walker (1980-81-82), both Heisman winners, are the running backs. Marshall's Randy Moss (1997) and Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald (2003) are the wide receivers. The offensive line is made up of Ohio State's Orlando Pace (1995-96) and Pitt's Bill Fralic (1982-83-84) at tackle, Alabama's John Hannah (1972) and Ohio State's Jim Parker (1956) at guard and Penn's Chuck Bednarik (1947-48) at center. The tight end is Georgia's Brock Bowers (2023). The all-purpose player is Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1972). On defense, Pitt's Hugh Green (1978-79-80) and Maryland's Randy White (1974) are the ends and Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh (2009) and Minnesota's Bronko Nagurski (1929) are the tackles. The linebackers are Illinois' Dick Butkus (1964), Alabama's Derrick Thomas (1988) and Ohio State's Chris Spielman (1986-87). The secondary is made up of Heisman winner Charles Woodson of Michigan (1996-97) and Florida State's Deion Sanders (1987-88) at cornerback and Southern California's Ronnie Lott (1980) and Miami's Ed Reed (2000-01) at safety. The specialists are Florida State kicker Sebastian Janikowski (1998-99) and Iowa punter Tory Taylor (2023). Many fans might say Anthony Munoz and Ray Guy, among others, are glaring omissions. Munoz, who played at Southern California from 1976-79, is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, college or pro. He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Alas, he was never a first-team AP All-American. Guy, who played at Southern Mississippi from 1970-72, he remains the only punter selected in the first round of an NFL draft. But punters were not included on AP All-America teams until 1981. First team offense Wide receivers — Randy Moss, Marshall, 1997; Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 2003. Tackles — Orlando Pace, Ohio State, 1995-96; Bill Fralic, Pittsburgh, 1982-83-84. Guards — John Hannah, Alabama, 1972; Jim Parker, Ohio State, 1956. Center — Chuck Bednarik, Penn, 1947-48. Tight end — Brock Bowers, Georgia, 2023. QB — Tim Tebow, Florida, 2007. Running backs — Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988; Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1980-81-82. Kicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State, 1998-99. All-purpose — Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 1972. First team defense Ends — Hugh Green, Pittsburgh, 1978-79-80; Randy White, Maryland, 1974. Tackles — Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, 2009; Bronko Nagurski, Minnesota, 1929. Linebackers — Dick Butkus, Illinois, 1964; Derrick Thomas, Alabama, 1988; Chris Spielman, Ohio State, 1986-87. Cornerbacks — Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1996-97; Deion Sanders, Florida State, 1987-88. Safeties — Ronnie Lott, Southern California, 1980; Ed Reed, Miami, 2000-01. Punter — Tory Taylor, Iowa, 2023. Second team offense Wide receivers — DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 2020; Desmond Howard, Michigan, 1991. Tackles — Jonathan Ogden, UCLA, 1995; Bryant McKinnie, Miami, 2001. Guards — Brad Budde, Southern California, 1979; John Smith, Notre Dame, 1927. Center — Dave Rimington, Nebraska, 1981-82. Tight end — Keith Jackson, Oklahoma, 1986-87. QB — Vince Young, Texas, 2005. Running backs — Archie Griffin, Ohio State, 1974-75; Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh, 1976. Kicker — Martin Gramatica, Kansas State, 1997. All-purpose — Tim Brown, Notre Dame, 1986-87. Second team defense Ends — Bubba Smith, Michigan State, 1966; Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech, 1984. Tackles — Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma, 1975; Warren Sapp, Miami, 1994. Linebackers — Jerry Robinson, UCLA, 1976-77-78; Brian Bosworth, Oklahoma, 1985-86; Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina, 1980. Cornerbacks — Champ Bailey, Georgia, 1998; Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, 2011. Safeties — Bennie Blades, Miami, 1986-87; Al Brosky, Illinois, 1951. Punter — Reggie Roby, Iowa, 1981. First team by conference Big Ten — 7 SEC — 5 Independent — 4 ACC — 2 Big East — 2 Big Eight — 2 Big 12 — 1 MAC — 1 Pac-10 — 1 (asterisk)Based on players' school affiliations at the time they were in college ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
NBC Sports
29 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Fantasy Football Fades 2025: DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker III headline staff picks to avoid
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This would be a problem for JSN, who was one of the NFL's most efficient receivers from the slot last season, but dismally inefficient as a boundary wideout. Last year JSN ran 84 percent of his routes from the slot. If that rate slips to something closer to 60 percent, he'll struggle to be a top-15 fantasy wideout in 2025. - Denny Carter Kyle Dvorchak, Kaleb Johnson RB, Pittsburgh Steelers It's going to take more than breaking Travis Hunter's tackle attempt in a preseason game for me to draft Johnson in fantasy this season. He's very popular in the fantasy football world. I told him as much at the 2025 NFL Combine, he's a nice kid, but the situation may not be as nice. There seems to be a fantasy world where he can somehow mirror (or maybe get in the ballpark) Najee Harris' rookie year where he ran for 1200 yards and caught 74 passes. Here's the thing, Jaylen Warren wasn't on the team then, but he was the following year and Harris hasn't caught 45 passes in a season since. Furthermore, Warren is currently the back who is more trusted in pass protection and with a veteran like Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, you'll need that in your bag. Johnson will get his touches, but Warren will be more involved than fantasy managers think. - Lawrence Jackson Jr. Davante Adams WR, Los Angeles Rams The Rams were held under 21 points in six of their final nine weeks of the regular season. Matthew Stafford is being sequestered in a truck that looks like it could travel through time rather than practicing. Does this have the feel of a situation where we have a passing game that can support two top-20 receivers? I have nothing but good things to say about Adams' talent, but the lack of work with Stafford could bite a receiver who plays a very different style of trust-based ball than Cooper Kupp does. Adams only had two 100-yard games last year with the Jets in a similar situation with Garrett Wilson. This is one situation where I think ADP is a little out over its skis. - Rivers McCown Mike Florio and Chris Simms note Matthew Stafford is among the toughest in the NFL, but not practicing is cause for concern. They also evaluate what Jimmy Garoppolo is capable of if he needs to step in.
Associated Press
29 minutes ago
- Associated Press
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here's who we think are the best of the best
Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America team announced Thursday as part of the news organization's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the storied honor for the top players in college football. Since 1925, nearly 2,000 men have been named AP first-team All-Americans, one of the most prestigious honors in the sport. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. Of the 25 players on the first team, five won the Heisman Trophy and 21 are in the College Football Hall of Fame, two are nominated for induction in 2026 and two are not eligible because they are not yet 10 years removed from their college careers. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It won't be, and shouldn't be, considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available. For a player to qualify, he must have been an AP first-team All-American at least once. His professional career, if any, was not to be considered. Also, a member of the all-time team could only be listed on the side of the ball where he was named first-team All-America. All-purpose players could come from any position. Voters were cautioned against recency bias, but it is notable that only three of the first-team selections played before 1970. Of the 12 players who were three-time All-Americans, only four made the two all-time teams picked by AP. Florida's Tim Tebow edged Texas' Vince Young (2005) for all-time first-team quarterback. Tebow won the Heisman and made the AP All-America team as a sophomore in 2007, his first year as the starter. He led the Gators to their second national championship in three years in 2008 and narrowly missed a chance at another when the 2009 team started 13-0 but lost to Alabama in the SEC championship game. He remains the SEC career leader in rushing touchdowns and touchdowns responsible for. Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders (1988) and Georgia's Herschel Walker (1980-81-82), both Heisman winners, are the running backs. Marshall's Randy Moss (1997) and Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald (2003) are the wide receivers. The offensive line is made up of Ohio State's Orlando Pace (1995-96) and Pitt's Bill Fralic (1982-83-84) at tackle, Alabama's John Hannah (1972) and Ohio State's Jim Parker (1956) at guard and Penn's Chuck Bednarik (1947-48) at center. The tight end is Georgia's Brock Bowers (2023). The all-purpose player is Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1972). On defense, Pitt's Hugh Green (1978-79-80) and Maryland's Randy White (1974) are the ends and Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh (2009) and Minnesota's Bronko Nagurski (1929) are the tackles. The linebackers are Illinois' Dick Butkus (1964), Alabama's Derrick Thomas (1988) and Ohio State's Chris Spielman (1986-87). The secondary is made up of Heisman winner Charles Woodson of Michigan (1996-97) and Florida State's Deion Sanders (1987-88) at cornerback and Southern California's Ronnie Lott (1980) and Miami's Ed Reed (2000-01) at safety. The specialists are Florida State kicker Sebastian Janikowski (1998-99) and Iowa punter Tory Taylor (2023). Many fans might say Anthony Munoz and Ray Guy, among others, are glaring omissions. Munoz, who played at Southern California from 1976-79, is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, college or pro. He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Alas, he was never a first-team AP All-American. Guy, who played at Southern Mississippi from 1970-72, he remains the only punter selected in the first round of an NFL draft. But punters were not included on AP All-America teams until 1981. First team offenseWide receivers — Randy Moss, Marshall, 1997; Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 2003. Tackles — Orlando Pace, Ohio State, 1995-96; Bill Fralic, Pittsburgh, 1982-83-84. Guards — John Hannah, Alabama, 1972; Jim Parker, Ohio State, 1956. Center — Chuck Bednarik, Penn, 1947-48. Tight end — Brock Bowers, Georgia, 2023. QB — Tim Tebow, Florida, 2007. Running backs — Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988; Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1980-81-82. Kicker — Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State, 1998-99. All-purpose — Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 1972. First team defenseEnds — Hugh Green, Pittsburgh, 1978-79-80; Randy White, Maryland, 1974. Tackles — Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, 2009; Bronko Nagurski, Minnesota, 1929. Linebackers — Dick Butkus, Illinois, 1964; Derrick Thomas, Alabama, 1988; Chris Spielman, Ohio State, 1986-87. Cornerbacks — Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1996-97; Deion Sanders, Florida State, 1987-88. Safeties — Ronnie Lott, Southern California, 1980; Ed Reed, Miami, 2000-01. Punter — Tory Taylor, Iowa, 2023. Second team offenseWide receivers — DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 2020; Desmond Howard, Michigan, 1991. Tackles — Jonathan Ogden, UCLA, 1995; Bryant McKinnie, Miami, 2001. Guards — Brad Budde, Southern California, 1979; John Smith, Notre Dame, 1927. Center — Dave Rimington, Nebraska, 1981-82. Tight end — Keith Jackson, Oklahoma, 1986-87. QB — Vince Young, Texas, 2005. Running backs — Archie Griffin, Ohio State, 1974-75; Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh, 1976. Kicker — Martin Gramatica, Kansas State, 1997. All-purpose — Tim Brown, Notre Dame, 1986-87. Second team defenseEnds — Bubba Smith, Michigan State, 1966; Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech, 1984. Tackles — Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma, 1975; Warren Sapp, Miami, 1994. Linebackers — Jerry Robinson, UCLA, 1976-77-78; Brian Bosworth, Oklahoma, 1985-86; Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina, 1980. Cornerbacks — Champ Bailey, Georgia, 1998; Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, 2011. Safeties — Bennie Blades, Miami, 1986-87; Al Brosky, Illinois, 1951. Punter — Reggie Roby, Iowa, 1981. First team by conference Big Ten — 7 SEC — 5 Independent — 4 ACC — 2 Big East — 2 Big Eight — 2 Big 12 — 1 MAC — 1 Pac-10 — 1 (asterisk)Based on players' school affiliations at the time they were in college ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
